What is domain name and How to choose a Domain Name

What is domain name?

This is the 1st step of creating a website. You cannot create a website without owning a domain name. It is the address and foundation of any website. A domain name makes up the address of your site and can end in .com, .net, .org, .info, .us, .biz, .tv and more....

Once you have registered your name, you will select a web host (2nd step). The web host is the guts of any website because this is where you create and publish your pages, build order forms, add functionality and maintain your site.

Brandable or keyword domains?

For search engine optimization (SEO) purposes, many experts recommend registering a domain with keywords you want to be found for. While this was a must years ago, it's not quite the necessity it once was.

Some people prefer to go for a shorter, brandable domain that's easier to remember - especially because so many "good" domains are taken these days.

So instead of registering a keyword-rich name like JoomlaAdviceForBeginners.com, a person may choose to go with JoomTut.com. It's a made-up word from Joomla! Tutorials, but it keeps the domain short, brandable and easy to remember.

I personally think you should try to use the keywords you plan to target as long as you can keep the domain reasonably short (2-3 words) and readable. When your name is descriptive, people immediately know what your site is about.

Having said that, don't make your domain name so long and awkard that it's hard to read and remember. It's really about finding a balance. Also, don't be shy about bouncing ideas off your friends and family before registering.

Here's another tip. Write the name down to give you an idea of what it may look like on business cards, T-shirts and other printed materials.

Remember, your domain is a big part of your brand, so take your time coming up with the right name for your site.

"All the good domains are taken!"

As you're registering your domain, you may feel that all the names you want are taken. You just have to get creative. Website Palace has a great page that offers tips for landing a good domain name.

You may want to protect your privacy

As you're registering your name, you will be presented with the option of keeping your domain name private - a deluxe feature you may want to take advantage of.

A private domain registration will keep your information (name, email address, etc.) out of the global Internet database, and will prevent a lot of spam from reaching your email box.

Even though registering a "private" domain is not mandatory and will not block all spam, it is a great idea if you want to keep your contact information out of the domain registry database. Some people want to register domains anonymously, so this is the reason this option is available.

Top notch support available

If you should ever have a question, phone support is available 24 hours/day, 7 days/week at Website Palace.

Most people that come here are new to the website creation scene. Their number one fear is that they'll invest their money into something that is new and unfamiliar, and then get stuck with no one to help them should they have a question. Well, that's not going to happen here.

When to register a domain name?

The answer is Now - Quickly register one or more domains for reserve as soon as you have ideas. Your domain can be registered by anyone else at any time.